Manipuri Muslim Families Face Eviction in Golaghat, Cachar Pangal Community Seeks Resettlement

Around 60 Meitei Manipuri Muslim (Pangal) families residing in Bidyapur and Uriamghat areas of Golaghat district of Assam, have reportedly been served eviction notices by the Assam government. The move is part of a broader drive aimed at clearing forest and khas land from illegal occupancy and encroachment.

In response, members of the Manipuri Muslim community (Pangal) from Sonai in Cachar district held a press conference on Wednesday (July 23) urging the state government to resettle the evicted families as they are indigenous people of Assam and consider rehabilitation measures.

Community members informed that of the 60 families facing eviction, nearly 55 originally hail from Cachar district and had migrated to Uriamghat in search of livelihood and better living conditions over the years.

“Manipuris are indigenous people of Assam, and it is very unfortunate that around 60 families of our community have been served eviction notices in Uriamghat and Bidyapur. As indigenous people, we want to appeal to the government of Assam to treat us as such. We are not against eviction, but we are requesting our rightful treatment as indigenous citizens,” said one of the community spokespersons during the press conference.

The community further appealed to the government to provide relaxation, if possible, and ensure proper rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected families.

A memorandum regarding this appeal will be submitted to the Chief Minister of Assam through the District Commissioner of Cachar. Additionally, community representatives plan to meet Minister Kaushik Rai to discuss possible steps towards resettlement of the evicted families. Prior to the press conference, a discussion was held among senior members of the Pangal community under the banner of the Joint Coordination Committee.